Menu

Powers of Attorney

Why grant a Power of Attorney?

Whilst a Will ensures your wishes are set out after your death, a Power of Attorney safe guards your welfare and financial wishes in life should you incur a period of incapacity. Cowan Douglas Law believes this is equally as important as making a Will.

A Power of Attorney is a legal document which allows you to nominate a named person or persons to deal with your personal affairs, should you lose capacity for any reason. This could include a mental illness such as Dementia or Alzheimers, but also include situations where incapacity is short term, for example after an accident where hospital care is required.

A Power of Attorney can deal with property and financial affairs, health and welfare powers, and can also allow an attorney access to medical records which can assist in the making of medical decisions. All powers are subject to a medical practitioner confirming that capacity is in question. This safeguards your position in a vulnerable situation.

There are three types of Power of Attorney which can be put in place:

A Welfare Power of Attorney which gives the Attorney the ability to make decisions about your welfare

A Continuing Power of Attorney which gives the Attorney the ability to deal with your financial affairs, or

A Welfare and Continuing Power of Attorney which allows the attorney to deal with both your financial and welfare decisions

Cowan Douglas Law has a wealth of experience in such cases and are adept at dealing with cases where vulnerable clients are involved. We are always on hand to discuss and advise you on your options.